Chapter 397
Chapter 397: 391_1 Chapter 397: 391_1 Jiang Ziqi spoke thus, and though Zhao Erhu and Lin Yue were inclined to refuse, they were left with no choice but to accept. They had originally planned to rent a small courtyard in Capital City, considering they would not be staying for a short while. Staying in an inn would be expensive and inconvenient, and since they had brought servants with them, renting their own place seemed the most appropriate.
As for moving into the Jiang Family, it had never crossed their minds. Their friendship with Jiang Ziqi was good, but they were not familiar with the other members of the Jiang Family. Moreover, families like the Jiangs often carried themselves with a sense of pride and entitlement, and initially, Jiang Ziqi had exhibited the same attitude. It was only after becoming familiar that his behavior changed. Even Jiang Ziqi’s servant, Axin, initially treated them with the haughty demeanor of a superior looking down on inferiors.
As the saying goes, “A spot reflects the leopard.” Both Jiang Ziqi and his servant behaved in this manner, so it would be no surprise if the rest of the Jiang Family were similar. As mere country folk, they would surely be looked down upon if they stayed with the Jiangs. Rather than endure disdain from others in the Jiang Residence, it would better to rent their own place and be comfortable. However, now that Jiang Ziqi had insistently invited them to stay, Zhao Erhu and Lin Yue were unable to decline, accepting the arrangement with some resignation.
“Brother Jiang, won’t we cause you trouble by staying there? After all, we’re just simple country people and the difference in status is significant. I don’t mean to be distant with you; it’s just that the Jiang Family isn’t just you—there are many others. We fear we might offend someone if we stay there. Perhaps we should drop this idea,” Lin Yue finally couldn’t help but speak up.
“Indeed, Doctor Jiang, if you truly wish to help, please see if you can find us a reasonably priced courtyard. We’re strangers in Capital City and unfamiliar with everything.” Zhao Erhu quickly echoed Lin Yue’s sentiment. He and Jiang Ziqi were old rivals and so, given Lin Yue’s objection, he naturally agreed with her completely.
“Didn’t we agree already? You’ll stay at the Jiang Residence. I’ve had a courtyard cleaned up for you. If you don’t stay there, my efforts will have been in vain. As for your concerns, they’re not issues at all. I am now the Family Head of the Jiangs, and in the Jiang Residence, my word is the law. Nobody dares disobey. I’ve already warned everyone in the Residence, and no one will dare disrespect you,” Jiang Ziqi was determined and did not give Lin Yue and Zhao Erhu any chance to refuse.
Since Jiang Ziqi put it that way, what more could Lin Yue and Zhao Erhu say? They had no choice but to comply with his arrangements. As for their previous concerns, they would have to wait and see and deal with them accordingly. If worst came to worst, they could always move out of the Jiang Residence later.
Qiwu Courtyard had been prepared for over half a month, but the rumored genteel female guest had not yet appeared, causing the gossip and whispers throughout the Jiang Residence to subside considerably. When Jiang Ziqi went to receive them in a high-profile manner, the rumors intensified.
“Have you heard? The person this time has a significant background—the Family Head personally went to pick her up. It makes one wonder what kind of stunning beauty must have moved the Family Head to such extent. You know, not even the Emperor’s own sister, Princess XX, received this kind of treatment.”
“Exactly, even the Princess doesn’t get such attention from the Family Head, and now he personally went to the Capital Suburbs to receive someone. Regardless of whether or not this person is a stunning beauty, the skill involved must be admirable. Otherwise, how could she captivate the Family Head so?”
While the others in the Jiang Family were busy guessing and gossiping, the women in Jiang Ziqi’s inner courtyard were outright panicked. Initially, they had heard rumors and whispers, but without seeing anyone in person. Now that the Family Head was receiving someone personally, it all but confirmed their theories, leaving them uneasy as they awaited the arrival of the rumored ‘future mistress.’
Jiang Ziqi led Zhao Erhu and his wife to Qiwu Courtyard, “Little Yueyue, what do you think? The courtyard I’ve arranged for you is not bad, right? Take a look and see if you like it. If not, I’ll have someone redecorate it.”
“No need; this place is already quite lovely, unexpectedly so. It’s too luxurious. Isn’t it inappropriate for just Zhao Erhu and me to live in such a large courtyard? Brother Jiang, perhaps you should switch us to a different one,” Lin Yue responded.
“This courtyard has been specially cleaned up for you. Since you find it suitable, stay here. I’ve instructed all the servants here, so if you need anything, just command, and it will be done. Don’t be shy; consider this as your own home,” Jiang Ziqi said. Many parts of Qiwu Courtyard had been redecorated by him, all to please Lin Yue. Even if Lin Yue only uttered a word of praise, it was enough to make Jiang Ziqi very pleased.
“You both must be tired from the journey; go ahead and freshen up. I’ve ordered the kitchen to prepare the finest food and drink. You should eat and rest well afterwards. We can talk about other things later,” Despite his eagerness to stay and chat longer, Jiang Ziqi considered that Zhao Erhu and Lin Yue must be weary from their travels and decided it best to let them rest first.
Once Jiang Ziqi left, Zhao Erhu and Lin Yue looked at each other, both wearing expressions of resignation. “Zhao Erhu, don’t you think this courtyard is too grand? I feel uneasy living here.”
“Don’t think too much about it. Now that we’ve moved in, let’s just settle in comfortably. What Doctor Jiang said is right—we’ve had a tiring journey, so let’s freshen up and rest first. We can talk about other matters later.”
Without having seen anyone, rumors were rife. But with the arrival of the couple, even more versions of the story spread. Many believed that Zhao Erhu and his wife must be hermits of high virtue. Only the women in Jiang Ziqi’s inner court, aware that the couple was not some pampered guest, finally relaxed and joined the others in their gossip.
If, at first, everyone was merely speculating, the rumors transformed once they found out from those who had seen the couple that Zhao Erhu and his wife were nothing more than an ordinary pair of country folks. The people of the Jiang Residence found this even more incredible. Qiwu Courtyard was designated for the future mistress of the Jiang Family, and after many years without an owner, it was now hosting a simple farming couple. It was quite preposterous. They wondered what the Family Head could possibly be thinking.
In the Jiang Residence, the Family Head held absolute authority. Now that Jiang Ziqi had housed Zhao Erhu and his wife in Qiwu Courtyard, naturally, no one dared to object. But they were truly puzzled as to why he would do such a thing. For an ordinary country couple to deserve such treatment was baffling. Not only did he let them stay in Qiwu Courtyard, he even ordered the entire household to treat them with nothing but respect. Perhaps there was a hidden secret to this seemingly ordinary peasant couple.
Everyone kept their puzzlement to themselves, but they dared not disobey the Family Head’s orders. Even if they looked down upon Zhao Erhu and his wife internally, they were polite and courteous on the surface. As for what they truly thought, that remained unknown.